In 2023, Michael De Luca took the stage at the iconic Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, humorously stating, “Morning, guys. We’ll try to keep this job for more than two years.” This remark, made during his rehearsal at CinemaCon, the annual gathering of movie theater owners, reflected the swift transition he and his colleague, Pamela Abdy, had made from leading MGM’s film division to heading the storied Warner Bros. Pictures. The studio, renowned for classics like The Jazz Singer and the Harry Potter series, was under new leadership with hopes of revitalization. However, two years later, the mood within Warner Bros. has shifted dramatically.
During their tenure, De Luca and Abdy celebrated the success of 2023’s blockbuster hit, Barbie, which was greenlit under the previous administration of Toby Emmerich. Yet, the excitement has faded as Warner Bros. faced significant setbacks with its film slate for 2024. The upcoming year is projected to suffer losses of at least $110 million due to two high-profile films focusing on doppelgangers: Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson, and The Alto Knights, featuring Robert De Niro.
Despite their reputation as champions of filmmakers, the morale at Warner Bros. has reached a concerning low. Reports suggest that De Luca and Abdy may have lost the confidence of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, whose management style emphasizes financial performance. Industry speculation has intensified, with whispers that Peter Safran, co-chairman of WB’s DC Films, might be poised to take over if performance does not improve.
The duo has also faced negative press surrounding projects like Furiosa and Juror No. 2, Clint Eastwood's drama that was shifted to streaming after a minimal theatrical release. Among these challenges, none have been as glaring as the disapproval surrounding Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux, which has been met with both audience rejection and critical backlash.
Insiders describe a tense atmosphere within the Warner Bros. motion picture group, with some attributing the strain to the long-standing relationship between De Luca and Abdy. Recent developments have seen them in heated discussions regarding release schedules, with significant films like Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another being moved from summer to September for awards positioning, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! being pushed to spring 2026.
Amidst the turmoil, Abdy has firmly rejected notions of discord between her and De Luca, asserting that their friendship extends beyond business. She stated, “We present as is... It’s all about what’s going to be best for the movie.” Meanwhile, Dana Nussbaum, Executive VP of Worldwide Marketing at Warner Bros., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the supportive environment fostered by De Luca and Abdy.
As the studio confronts its challenges, De Luca and Abdy remain optimistic about upcoming releases. They have high hopes for Jack Black’s Minecraft movie, slated for release on April 4, which is expected to improve morale. Additionally, they are enthusiastic about Sinners, a new vampire narrative from Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, which is tracking well despite its substantial production budget.
The impending release of DiCaprio's One Battle After Another is seen as a critical test for the studio. With DiCaprio’s previous film, Killers of the Flower Moon, earning only $68 million domestically, the stakes are high. The film needs to gross at least $350 million worldwide to justify its budget, a daunting task given the mixed audience reactions during preliminary screenings.
As Warner Bros. navigates these turbulent waters, industry observers are keenly watching how the studio's upcoming film slate will be received. With a mix of proven hits and new intellectual properties, including potential sequels to beloved franchises, the leadership of De Luca and Abdy is under scrutiny. Whether they can turn the tide and restore confidence in their strategic vision remains to be seen. The stakes are high for Warner Bros., and the upcoming months will be crucial in determining the future direction of this iconic studio.
